Statistics say a lot about the challenges of home affordability in the Midwest. “1 in 9 households in Wisconsin spend half or more of their income on housing,” reported Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity in their 2023 annual report. “There is a shortage of over 126,000 affordable rentals available for extremely low-income families in Wisconsin.” 

To help mitigate this crisis in the community they serve, local Malarkey Certified Residential Contractor, American Quality Homes, donated their time and labor for the installation of a new roof on a new home built by Habitat for Humanity. With assistance from Northeast Wisconsin Malarkey Sales Representative Max Crookston, a complete system of roofing products was donated in the fall of 2023.

Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates roughly 10-20 houses per year in the area for families in need. Since 1993, the organization has offered housing solutions to neighborhoods and families within Calumet, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Northern Winnebago counties. They also operate the Appleton Habitat ReStore location that offers donated new and used home materials available for purchase. These repurposed goods not only make home maintenance more affordable but also divert useful resources from the landfill.

The Roof

The 20-square roof on the Habitat home received a new, full Malarkey Secure Choice™ system. This cohesive, coordinated system consists of 5 key components. In order of installation, they are 1) ice and water barrier, 2) underlayment, 3) starter shingles, 4) roofing shingles, and 5) hip & ridge shingles. 

The Habitat project roof is comprised of Arctic Seal® ice and water barrier, Secure Start®

SG underlayment, Smart Start® starter shingles, Highlander® AR (algae resistant) field shingles in the Antique Brown color blend, and RidgeFlex® hip and ridge shingles. 

Designed in the popular architectural style, Highlander® AR shingles are made with Malarkey’s industry-leading NEX® Rubberized Asphalt which delivers all-weather resilience, a Class 3 hail impact rating, and includes granules that reduce algae streaks, and helps clean the air of emission pollutants. The RidgeFlex® hip and ridge shingles also feature these innovative roofing granules and have a Class 4 impact rating.

Installed together, Secure Choice™ system components help the roof perform better and can be eligible for enhanced warranty coverage via the Malarkey Certified Residential Contractors program. The new homeowners of this Habitat for Humanity home will have the peace of mind knowing their new investment is being protected by an impact-resistant shingle, a 130 MPH wind warranty, and a 50-year non-prorated warranty. 

Even at a modest 20 squares of material, the roof of this ranch-style home still contributes positively with a notable Eco Offset. The use of shingles made from NEX® rubberized asphalt (which uses polymers from upcycled materials), this roof diverted 2 rubber tires and roughly 1,900 plastic bags from entering the landfill. The shingles also feature smog-reducing roofing granules, making this roof equivalent to 1 tree ‘planted’ to help clean the air.

Confronting the Home Affordability Crisis

“Today, the importance of a safe and stable home has never been more evident, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to building a world where every family has a decent place to call home,” said John Weyenberg, Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity President/CEO.

In 2023, the organization helped 19 families make their dreams of home ownership come true according to their annual report. Through several different programs, the organization has created opportunities for community members to finance, repair, and own homes. 

Thanks to the community-minded spirit of American Quality Homes, Malarkey Roofing Products® felt proud and privileged to be a part of this effort.